Seventeen persons arrested during anti-illegal worker in 3-day operations
In addition, during operations “Champion” and “Powerplayer”, enforcement officers raided 24 target locations in Central district and New Territories North Region including a garage, a restaurant and a warehouse. A total of two suspected illegal workers, one suspected employer, three overstayers and one illegal immigrant were arrested. The suspected illegal workers comprised two men, aged 31 and 35.
Among them, one man was a holder of a recognisance form, which prohibits him from taking any employment. One man, aged 40, was suspected of employing the illegal workers. Three female overstayers, aged 33 to 54, were arrested. Furthermore, one male illegal immigrant was also arrested. In addition, he was suspected of using and being in possession of a false instrument. Among them, two suspected illegal workers, two overstayers and one suspected employer were handled by the ImmD.
An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”